Whenever you’re having trouble writing about a legal situation to colleagues or clients, ABA Journal has a good tip: Pretend you’re giving directions.

Here’s a quick summation for how they explained it:

• Give orientation to readers: If you’re listing a few reasons for proving a point make it clear by announcing the specific number of reasons and then actually numbering them.

• Use headings liberally: They are like signposts for whoever is reading it.

• Don’t be afraid of lists: It makes everything easier, even for people well-trained in the law.